Annual Vermont Farm Show Returns to Essex Junction

The annual Vermont Farm Show returns to the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds this January 29-31 to celebrate its 81st year.

Last year was the first year the show was held at the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds. Previously, it was hosted by the Barre Civic Center. The new, more spacious venue provided a better experience for guests alike in 2012, according to Farm Show management.

The Farm Show is Vermont’s largest agricultural showcase. For agriculture professionals, it is an opportunity to meet with vendors, preview products and machinery, attend trade association meetings, and network within the farm community.

The show also holds wide appeal for the general public. With tractors, farm animals, and agricultural products on display, there’s something for everyone at the Farm Show.

This year Consumer night will be held Wednesday, January 30th. Show hours will be extended until 7:00 p.m. that evening. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the Buy Local Market, which will showcase foods and products from Vermont farms. The “Capital Cook-off,” an Iron Chef-type competition in which teams from the Vermont House of Representatives, Senate, and Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets will face off in a battle of culinary skills, will also occur again this year. Teams will have ninety minutes to create a dish using Vermont products bought at the Buy Local Market.

There is no cost for parking or admission to the Farm Show, but attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Vermont Food Bank.

For more information, including a list of scheduled 2013 exhibitors, visit www.vtfarmshow.com

Source: Department of Fish and Wildlife Last Updated at: January 03, 2013 15:55:24